A Sheep Is Stolen from Malibu Creche Scene

• $500 Reward Offered for Its Return

BY NICOLE KLIEST

A week before the Christmas holiday another nativity scene theft has occurred. While the Infant Jesus figure that was taken last year has been recovered, approximately six days ago, a sheep from the display, valued at about $10,000, was stolen.
There are no leads on who might have taken the sheep, however, a $500 dollar reward is offered to anyone who returns it. Jackie Sutton, a member of the Keep Christ in Christmas board, says she believes someone who knew how the creche is set up committed the theft.
“We don’t know who it was,” Sutton said. “After the baby Jesus was stolen, we had it all bolted and chained. Someone knew to unbolt it and cut the chain.”
As soon as Sutton learned of the theft, she said she contacted the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, which sent a deputy to the scene and promised follow-up. Additional security measures are in place to protect the remaining figures, most of which are worth many times more than the sheep.
Sutton said KCIC members went to a home supply store to look into additional protection for the site. “We bought a screening as a small deterrent until we can plan for next year. It is a regular barbed wire with a green, plastic coating on it. It does the job [of protection], and you can still see [the creche].”
In addition to this, a county sheriff’s department car has been seen parked behind the scene. Sutton also says a man from a security office offered to donate some sort of security to help with the situation for next year.
“We’re committed to the nativity scene,” Sutton said. “We will maybe have a fundraiser. We go from year to year, but everybody on the committee is willing to do whatever it takes.”
The larchwood sheep that was stolen was carved in Switzerland approximately 50 years ago by monks. Sutton’s husband, Bob, who is also a member of the Keep Christ in Christmas board, is providing the $500 reward.